At Appleton & Daughters, we aim to make your rental journey as smooth and transparent as possible. Whether you’re staying short or long-term, our goal is to support you at every stage — from registering your interest through to move-out.

1. Registering Your Interest

To help us match you with a suitable property, we ask that you provide:

  • Full name(s)
  • Mobile number and email address
  • Current residential address
  • Any specific requirements you may have

The more information you give us upfront, the better we can assist in finding your ideal property.

2. Booking Viewings

To arrange a viewing, please contact our office.

Kindly note: If you’re unable to attend a confirmed appointment, please call to cancel or reschedule.

3. Reserving a Property – Holding Deposit

Once you’ve found a property you'd like to proceed with, we will request a Holding Deposit (equivalent to one week’s rent) to reserve it. This removes the property from the market while we complete the application and referencing process.

Important Notes:

  • The Holding Deposit will be credited toward your first month's rent once the tenancy is confirmed.
  • Under the Tenant Fees Act 2019, the Holding Deposit may be retained if:
    • You provide false or misleading information during your application
    • You fail a Right to Rent check
    • You withdraw from the tenancy
    • You fail to take reasonable steps to enter into the tenancy agreement

4. Required Documentation

All applicants aged 18 and over who will be residing in the property must provide the following:

  • Photo ID – valid passport or driving licence (originals must be shown)
  • Proof of current address – e.g., utility bill or bank statement dated within the last 3 months
  • Proof of affordability – recent payslips or bank statements showing income sufficient to cover the rent

5. Proceeding With the Tenancy

Once your application is successful and references are completed, you will receive a draft tenancy agreement. It’s important that you fully understand your legal responsibilities. At this stage, we will:

  • Request your security deposit (typically five weeks’ rent)
  • Tentatively schedule a move-in date
  • Suspend further viewings of the property
  • Begin preparing your tenancy documentation

6. Insurance & Inventory

We strongly recommend you obtain Tenants' Contents Insurance to protect your personal belongings and to cover any accidental damage to the landlord’s fixtures or fittings.

An Inventory and Schedule of Condition will be provided at move-in. This document is key in determining any potential deductions at the end of your tenancy. You have 7 days from the tenancy start date to review and report any discrepancies.

7. Utility Providers & Council Tax

You are responsible for registering with all relevant utility providers and the local council. We advise you to:

  • Read the utility meters on move-in day
  • Submit these readings to the relevant providers promptly

During the Tenancy

Rent Payments

  • Rent is payable by standing order from one account only
  • Rent may be paid directly to the landlord or via Appleton & Daughters depending on the service provided

Legal Compliance and Safety

  • Gas Safety: You will receive a valid Gas Safety Certificate (if applicable) at the start of the tenancy. Annual gas safety checks are a legal requirement, and you must allow access for these inspections by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
  • Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarms: By law, all properties must have working smoke alarms on each floor and carbon monoxide alarms in any room with a solid fuel-burning appliance. Tenants are responsible for testing alarms regularly, replacing batteries when needed, and reporting any faults immediately.

Property Management

If Managed by the Landlord:

You will receive their contact details upon move-in. Please report all maintenance issues directly to the landlord — especially any that may affect health or safety. The landlord may arrange periodic inspections and will provide reasonable notice beforehand.

If Managed by Appleton & Daughters:

You’ll receive a welcome email from your assigned Property Manager, who will be your main contact throughout your tenancy. For maintenance issues, contact:

info@appletonanddaughters.co.uk

Property inspections will be arranged in advance and conducted by our management team. Photos may be taken to provide an updated condition report to the landlord.

Tenant Responsibilities

Tenants are expected to maintain the property to a good standard and ensure prompt communication about any issues. Key responsibilities include:

  • Regular cleaning and upkeep
  • Prompt reporting of any faults or damage
  • Replacing light bulbs, fuses, and batteries
  • Ventilating the property to prevent condensation
  • Managing pests and keeping limescale at bay
  • Maintaining the driveway and external areas (e.g., weed removal)
  • Bleeding radiators if necessary
  • Ensuring the security of the property (e.g., lost keys must be reported)
  • Ensuring gutters are kept clear
  • Covering costs for damage or blockages caused by misuse or negligence
  • Notifying us if the property will be left unoccupied for more than 5 days
  • Keeping heating on low during winter if away from the property
  • Removing all personal belongings and rubbish at the end of tenancy

End of Tenancy

When you intend to vacate, one full calendar month's written notice is required, aligned with your rent payment date.

During the notice period, Appleton & Daughters will begin re-marketing the property and may arrange viewings with your consent and appropriate notice.

At the end of your tenancy:

  • A check-out inspection and updated Schedule of Condition will be completed
  • The property must be returned in the same condition as at the start (excluding fair wear and tear)
  • Any proposed deductions from your deposit will be communicated in writing

Deposit Protection & Disputes

Your deposit will be protected in a government-approved Tenancy Deposit Scheme. If there is a dispute regarding deductions, the scheme offers a free Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) service for up to 90 days after your tenancy ends.

For any questions or further clarification, feel free to contact us:

Tel: 01702 743561

email: info@appletonanddaughters.co.uk